Unveiling Our New Community Art Mural at Crestar@Kovarts – Hougang: A Living Canvas

July 3, 2026

Crestar Learning Centre is proud to unveil Hougang: A Living Canvas, a vibrant community mural at Crestar@Kovarts that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the community spirit. More than just an artwork, the mural tells the story of Hougang’s rich heritage, vibrant cultural landscape, and the shared memories that continue to connect its community.

A Collective Community Effort

Under the artistic direction of Ms Fadhlin AG, Head of Art at Crestar Learning Centre, the mural project received generous sponsorship from Yamaha Music School.

Bringing the artwork to life was truly a community effort, with contributions from Yamaha Music School administrative officers, volunteers from the People’s Association (PA) network, Crestar Learning Centre staff, students and parents. Together, they painted the mural and transformed a shared vision into a vibrant work of art.

Crestar Learning Centre staff, Yamaha Music School partner, and PA volunteers gearing up for a day of painting!

A Symbol of Togetherness

The purpose of this art canvas is to provide a meaningful visual representation of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. By bringing together staff, students, parents, volunteers, and partner to contribute towards a shared artwork, the project showcases the power of teamwork and demonstrates how art can foster connections and strengthen a sense of belonging.

Volunteers and partner worked side by side to bring the community mural to life, carefully painting each section of the design.

A Reflection of Hougang’s Identity

Inspired by Hougang’s rich heritage, creative energy, and strong community bonds, Hougang: A Living Canvas celebrates the neighbourhood’s unique character through a vibrant blend of cultural, artistic, and community-inspired imagery. Drawing from Hougang’s journey from its early beginnings as Au Kang (“back of the river”) to the thriving residential town it is today, the mural pays tribute to the stories, traditions, and shared experiences that have shaped the community over the years.

Hougang: A Living Canvas celebrates the neighbourhood’s rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and strong community spirit, reflecting its journey from past to present through culture, creativity, and connection.

At the heart of the artwork is a communal gathering space, symbolising the connections that bring people together across generations. Surrounding it are representations of music, dance, visual arts, and cultural performances, reflecting the diverse talents and creative spirit that continue to define Hougang. Anchored by an oversized artist’s palette and paintbrush, the mural presents Hougang as a living canvas where heritage, culture, and creativity coexist—honouring the past while looking towards a vibrant, inclusive, and connected future.

Celebrating a Shared Achievement

With the mural completed and installed, Crestar Learning Centre welcomed representatives from the People’s Association and Yamaha Music School on 26 June 2026 for a special appreciation session. Guests had the opportunity to view the finished artwork and celebrate the successful collaboration that made the project possible.

The occasion was a meaningful moment to thank all those involved and to recognise the creativity, partnership, and community spirit that brought Hougang: A Living Canvas to life.

Mr. Minchao Zhu, Deputy Constituency Director of People’s Association (front row, 2nd from left), Mr Yoshinori Sasaki, Managing Director of Yamaha Music (front row, 3rd from left), Mr Wang Wei Liang, Director of Crestar Learning Centre (front row, 4th from left), Ms Fadhlin AG, Head of Art (standing at the back row, 3rd from left) with other representatives gathering in front of the mural during the appreciation session.

We warmly invite everyone to visit Crestar@KOVARTS and experience Hougang: A Living Canvas in person. As a lasting symbol of creativity, collaboration, and community, the mural stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

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